HEALTH INFORMATION

Atopic Dermatitis: Taking Care of Your Skin

Introduction

Good skin care is an essential part of
controlling the itch and rash of
atopic dermatitis. To help prevent a cycle of
itching, scratching, and rash, you can:

Keep your skin hydrated, and avoid dry
skin.

Avoid skin irritants.

How do you take care of your skin?

Good skin care is an
essential part of controlling the itch and rash of
atopic dermatitis. To help prevent a cycle of
scratching, itching, and rash, keep your skin hydrated and identify and avoid
skin irritants.

If you still have problems with itch and rash even after you have been using moisturizers, talk to your doctor.

Keeping your skin hydrated

To care for your
skin:

Soak in clean, lukewarm water for about 10
minutes. Your skin will absorb water and still retain its natural oils. Losing
the natural oils makes the skin drier. You may shower when atopic dermatitis is
under control or when an outbreak is mild.

Avoid washing with soap
during every bath. When soap is needed, use a gentle, nondrying product, such
as Aveeno, CeraVe, or Cetaphil. Use soap regularly only on the
underarms, groin, and feet, and rinse immediately afterward. Use soap or shampoo at the end of the bath to keep your child from sitting in soapy water.

Avoid adding bath
oils and bubble bath to the bathwater, because they can reduce your skin's
ability to absorb water.

Avoid using scrub brushes or
washcloths.

Pat your skin dry after a bath or shower. While your
skin is still moist or even wet, apply a moisturizer immediately—within 3
minutes of leaving the bath or shower. Waiting longer allows the skin to dry
out.

Apply the moisturizer several times a day. Thicker creams or ointments, like petroleum jelly, work better than thinner lotions.

Talk to your doctor about using a
wet bandage over the affected area. It can help relieve symptoms but may not be
a good idea if medicine is being used on the skin.

Moisturizers include Aquaphor, Eucerin, or Purpose. Or you may want to try a skin barrier repair moisturizer, such as CeraVe or TriCeram, that can help with burning, itching, and redness. For severe dryness,
try petroleum jelly, mineral oil, or an all-vegetable shortening such as
Crisco.

Avoiding skin irritants

Try to avoid skin
irritants, such as:

Many soaps, lotions, and
perfumes. Use a fragrance-free mild laundry detergent when you wash clothes, and rinse the clothes twice.

Scratchy clothing or bedding, such as wool and some acrylics. Cottons and cotton blends may be more comfortable.

Places with low
humidity.

Sunburn.

Sudden changes of
temperature.

Excessive sweating. Choose clothing and bedding fabrics that air can flow through easily. This will keep sweat from building up on your skin and irritating it.

Exercising in the heat of the day. Swimming may be a good choice for exercise. But be sure to wash and moisturize right away after pool use. The chemicals used in swimming pools can be irritating.

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How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.